NMC Enforces Face-Based Aadhaar Attendance to Tackle Ghost Faculty Issue

Published Date : 24/04/2025 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has introduced a new face-based Aadhaar system for faculty attendance, aiming to stamp out the ghost faculty practice. This app, available on both Android and Apple stores, will replace the existing fingerprint system from May 1, 2025. 

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has taken a significant step towards ensuring the integrity and accountability of medical faculty in India. The introduction of a face-based Aadhaar attendance system is a move designed to combat the widespread issue of ghost faculty, where professors are listed on the payroll but do not actually attend or contribute to the educational process.

The new system, which will be mandatory for all medical colleges across the country, is set to replace the current fingerprint-based attendance mechanism. The rollout of this advanced technology is scheduled to begin from May 1, 2025, giving institutions ample time to prepare and adapt to the new requirements.

The face-based Aadhaar app, which will be available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. Faculty members will be required to use the app to log their attendance by capturing their face, which will be verified against their Aadhaar biometric data. This ensures that only verified and active faculty members can mark their presence, thereby eliminating the possibility of ghost faculty.

The decision to implement this system comes in the wake of several high-profile cases where ghost faculty members were found to be receiving salaries and benefits without performing their duties. The NMC believes that this new system will not only improve the quality of medical education but also ensure that students receive the attention and guidance they need from qualified and present faculty members.

One of the key benefits of the face-based Aadhaar attendance system is its ability to provide real-time data on faculty attendance. This data will be crucial for regulatory authorities and college administrations to monitor and enforce attendance policies effectively. It will also help in identifying any discrepancies or irregularities in the attendance records, allowing for prompt corrective action.

While the transition to this new system may require some initial adjustment, the NMC is committed to providing support and training to all faculty members. The organization has also emphasized the importance of data privacy and security, ensuring that all biometric data is handled in compliance with the Aadhaar Act and other relevant regulations.

The NMC's initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline the medical education sector in India. By leveraging advanced technologies like facial recognition, the NMC hopes to create a more transparent and accountable educational environment that ultimately benefits both students and the healthcare system as a whole.

The transition to the face-based Aadhaar system is expected to be a significant improvement over the existing fingerprint-based method, which has been criticized for its limitations and potential for manipulation. With this new system, medical institutions can ensure that only qualified and committed faculty members are part of their workforce, thereby enhancing the overall quality of medical education in the country.

In conclusion, the NMC's decision to mandate face-based Aadhaar attendance is a positive step towards eliminating the ghost faculty practice. It represents a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of medical education in India. The new system, with its advanced features and robust data management, is poised to make a substantial impact on the educational landscape and the healthcare sector. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the new system introduced by the NMC?

A: The NMC has introduced a face-based Aadhaar attendance system for faculty members in medical colleges to combat the ghost faculty practice.

Q: When will the new system be implemented?

A: The new face-based Aadhaar attendance system will be implemented from May 1, 2025.

Q: Where can I download the face-based Aadhaar app?

A: The app will be available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Q: How does the new system ensure faculty attendance?

A: The system requires faculty members to capture their face through the app, which is verified against their Aadhaar biometric data to ensure they are present.

Q: What are the benefits of this new system?

A: The benefits include real-time data on faculty attendance, improved accountability, and enhanced quality of medical education by eliminating ghost faculty. 

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